The retreat is a Victorian farmhouse set in 560ha of the beautiful Groenfontein Valley Conservancy, bordering on the 129 000ha Swartberg Nature Reserve. The house is filled with yellow-wood and mellow Oregon pine. It has a lounge and a dining room, each with its own ceramic fireplace to keep guests cosy on chilly winter evenings. They lead out onto a wide verandah, which overlooks the sweeping gardens and majestic Swartberg Mountains. This lovely home has 5 comfortable en-suite bedrooms with French doors leading onto a patio, and 2 luxury rooms in a converted weaving-shed, both fitted with king size beds, which can be made up as twins. The larger room has a Victorian bath and shower with a magnificent view of the mountains. The smaller room is equipped with shower facilities and it also has stunning views of the surrounding area from a verandah.

The smell of fresh coffee welcomes you back from a morning walk, to a hearty breakfast on the terrace. Delicious dinners are cooked with Marie's continental flair and also served on the terrace when the weather is warm. Vegetarians are welcome and we cater for problem diets. The meals at Groenfontein have a health emphasis, using herbs and vegetables from the garden. Our guests can enjoy Karoo lamb dishes and local Cape specialties. The retreat has a full liquor license and carries a selection of fine wines of the region.

Enjoy energetic hill walks or mountain biking in the clear air - or lazy summer afternoons cooling off in the shady, secluded rock pools that sparkle like jewels along the length of the tree-fringed river - or simply stroll along the peaceful, winding lanes of the Groenfontein Valley. The retreat is ideally situated for day trips to the Swartberg Pass, Meiringspoort, Seweweekspoort, Montagu Pass and the beautiful coastline. Your hosts, Grant and Marie, enjoy treating guests to true Klein Karoo hospitality.